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Benefits Information for Retirees and Surviving Spouses

Below is helpful information on City of Cambridge benefits you may have as a Retiree, Spouse, or Surviving Spouse.


Health Insurance in Retirement

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  • Retirees, spouses, and surviving spouses may maintain health insurance through the City of Cambridge. Should you decide to cancel coverage at any point in retirement, please note that it cannot be reinstated. This would result in a permanent end of eligibility for coverage through the City.

  • Retiree coverage continues unless canceled at or during retirement.

  • Enrollment in Medicare Parts A & B is REQUIRED once you or your spouse turn 65. See details immediately below.

  • Employees must be on the City's health insurance plan at the point of retirement in order to have health coverage through the City in retirement.

Learn More About Health Insurance in Retirement

Dental & Vision Insurance

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Your Dental & Vision coverage is directly administered by the plans. Active employee coverage ends as of the last day of the month in which you retire. There are options to continue coverage in retirement through Cambridge Dental Vision Fund (CDVF) as well as Teamsters Dental.

If you have questions, please contact CDVF directly at 617-354-1110 or info@cdvfund.org. Teamsters Dental may be contacted at 617-241-9220 ext 2 or memberservices@teamsterscare.com for options to continue coverage.


Life Insurance

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If you are currently enrolled in life insurance through the city, your Group Basic Life insurance may be maintained for the duration of your retirement.If you are enrolled in a grandfathered Optional Life Insurance plan, that may also be maintained, however please note that coverage will end at 75 years old. Voluntary Life coverage ends at retirement.

Life insurance may be cancelled at any time by submitting a written request to the benefits office, however, once cancelled it cannot be reinstated. The coverage cancellation is permanent.

  • Group Basic Life Insurance - $5,000 policy continues with 25% retiree contribution ($2/month)
  • Optional Life Insurance - If enrolled in the grandfathered plan premiums are being automatically deducted from your pension. This coverage ends at 75 years of age.

Questions? Contact Us at 617-349-1770 or Benefits@cambridgema.gov


Deferred Compensation

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If you currently have funds with one our 457B vendors, you may contact them directly to manage your funds. As a reminder, plans are subject to required minimum distributions by a certain age. Be sure to consult with your plan for an appropriate distribution schedule for you.


Flexible Spending

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Flexible spending is not available in retirement. Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts end on the last day worked. Claims incurred prior to the last day worked may be submitted up to 90 days post-employment.


Long-Term Disability

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Long-term disability insurance ends at retirement.


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